Europeans and other western nations have dominated automotive excellence for over a century.
When we think of reliability, theGermans, and latterlythe Japanese, have had it sewn up.
But if you rest on your laurels, an upstart will soon be chasing at your heels.
But despite reaching that milestone in 2008, Chinas cars were still mostly clones of cheap western vehicles.
How did this happen, and will the west be able to regain its crown?
China has gradually built its auto-making capabilities during these different eras.
But if that steadily elevated China to number-one world carmaker by output, it can now go one better.
Many US car plantswere builtin the 1950s or even before, for instance.
China is also well placed to build cars for the right price.
It still paysrelatively low wagesand has millions of skilled workers steeped in the nations strong manufacturing culture.
Skilled workers are vital to reducing automotive costs because they make vehicles that need fewer adjustments or rebuilds.
China also hasexcellent shipping links, with many auto factories close to Shanghai, the worlds largest shipping port.
This includesTeslas gigafactory, one of the largest facilities in the world, capable of producingaround 2,000 carsdaily.
Getting the product out, shipped and with the customer quickly reduces costs because manufacturers get paid sooner.
Also crucially important is Chinas huge components supply-chain, which is already alarge exporterof car parts to other nations.
Yet this is changing rapidly.
Comparing vehicles that are built both in the west and China is particularly illuminating.
I hear that their all-important panel gaps are tighter, and fewer trips to the repair shop are required.
Polestar and Tesla both have very modern factories and are fully electric.
Xpeng is one Chinese start-up that only produces electric vehicles.
Having sold well in China, it is making its first moves into Europevia Norwaywith its G3 model.
Reviews of this compact SUV by the established auto press havebeen good.
Meanwhile, Nio is another Chinese manufacturer makinggreat stridesin becoming a global name in pure electric vehicles.
The next revolution in automotive is replacing petrol and diesel vehicles with electric.
